Tteokbokki Recipe – Spicy Rice Cakes

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Tteokbokki, or spicy rice cakes, is a beloved Korean street food that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. This dish is a true celebration of bold flavors, combining the chewy texture of rice cakes with a fiery, umami-packed sauce made from gochujang (Korean red chili paste), gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes), and a variety of aromatic ingredients.

What sets tteokbokki apart is its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth. The rice cakes, which are first blanched to achieve the perfect chewy texture, are then coated in a vibrant red sauce that packs a punch of spiciness, balanced by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and the tangy notes of rice vinegar or mirin.

But tteokbokki is more than just a spicy dish; it’s a culinary experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Korea. Imagine sitting at a street food stall, the sizzling sound of the wok filling the air, and the aroma of the spicy sauce beckoning you to take that first bite.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of creating an authentic tteokbokki right in your own kitchen. From properly preparing the rice cakes to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the sauce, I’ll share all the tips and tricks to ensure your dish is a true taste of Korea.

So, whether you’re a seasoned lover of Korean cuisine or a newcomer to its bold and vibrant flavors, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with tteokbokki. Trust me, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Tteokbokki Recipe

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food that features chewy rice cakes smothered in a sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive gochujang-based sauce. This iconic dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, fiery flavors.
Servings 4
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Rice Cakes:

  • 1 lb 450g Korean rice cakes (tteok/dduk)
  • 1 tsp salt for boiling

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup gochujang Korean red chili paste
  • 2 tbsp gochugaru Korean red chili flakes
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 cups anchovy or kelp broth or water

Toppings/Mix-ins (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup fish cakes eomuk, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cabbage sliced
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cakes

  • If using frozen rice cakes, thaw them by soaking in warm water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1 tsp salt. Blanch the rice cakes for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
  • In a shallow pot or pan, bring the anchovy/kelp broth (or water) to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Add the sauce mixture and stir until fully incorporated and heated through.

Step 3: Cook the Tteokbokki

  • Add the blanched rice cakes to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
  • If using, add the fish cakes, cabbage, and green onions. Gently stir to combine.
  • Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice cakes are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  • Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
  • Serve the tteokbokki hot, with extra gochugaru and green onions on the side for garnish.

Tips and Information

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the anchovy/kelp broth with vegetable or mushroom broth.
  • Adjust the amount of gochugaru and gochujang to your desired spice level.
  • Add other mix-ins like fish cakes, boiled eggs, or mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
Calories: 300kcal
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Keyword: Spicy Rice Cakes, Tteokbokki
Ingredients for tteokbokki including Korean rice cakes, gochugaru, gochujang, vegetables, and aromatics on a rustic wooden table.
The fresh and flavorful ingredients needed to make authentic tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Tteokbokki is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a culinary experience that connects you to the rich heritage of Korean cuisine. With each bite, you’ll taste the passion and care that goes into crafting this iconic street food, a testament to the generations of Korean cooks who have perfected the art of balancing spice, sweetness, and umami.

Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Korean cuisine or a newcomer to its bold and vibrant flavors, tteokbokki is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Imagine serving this dish at your next gathering, watching as your guests savor the complex flavors and marvel at the tender, perfectly cooked rice cakes.

So, embrace the heat, the sweetness, and the savory depth of tteokbokki. Let this dish transport you to the bustling streets of Korea, where the sights, sounds, and aromas of authentic Korean cuisine come alive. And remember, the true magic of this dish lies not only in the ingredients but also in the passion and care you put into every bite.

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